Maddon wants Russell to 'go out and play' at Class AAA Iowa
Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell was eligible to return from the restricted list for Friday's series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals, but he has begun life as an optioned player to Class AAA Iowa.
Russell's suspension for violating Major League Baseball's policy on domestic violence ended this week, but the Cubs decided to delay the decision to put him on the big-league roster.
That decision buys the Cubs time, and it also allows them to keep a good thing going with Javier Baez at shortstop.
Manager Joe Maddon was asked about what Russell needs to do.
"Just more at-bats, just to go out and play," he said. "When you have been through what he's been through and awkwardness of the preparation to get here ... guys right now are not in midseason form, but guys are pretty much advanced. We just want to make sure that he is ready to play here.
"Get your at-bats. Get your reps. Make sure you're not sore. How's the arm playing? Everything, the whole game. It's just about actually being fair to him, too, to make sure that he's ready to go by the time he gets back up here. It's not far off. Actually, I've heard some good things. But it's typically everybody wants to rush things when you don't have to rush things."
Pitcher reinstated:
The Cubs have reinstated pitcher Oscar De La Cruz from the restricted list after he served an 80-game suspension for violating baseball's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. He will be optioned to Class AA Tennessee after pitching a rehab assignment at Class A Myrtle beach.
Relief pitcher Tony Barnette has been transferred from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL, removing him from the 40-man roster. Barnette has been out with right-shoulder inflammation.
Edwards excelling:
Relief pitcher Carl Edwards Jr. tossed a scoreless inning Thursday for Class AAA Iowa. He struck out two.
Edwards was optioned to Iowa April 6. In 6 games with Iowa entering Friday, he was 2-0 with a 2.57 ERA and a WHIP of 0.71.
Joe Maddon said there's been no serious talk yet of bringing Edwards back.
"Once he's ready to rock and roll, we can't wait for him to get back," Maddon said. "This guy has shown to be on one of the best relief pitchers in the National League. I've talked about it before, I believe he's capable of being a solid closer. We just have to get him over the plate consistently, and as we do that, he's going to continue to get better. When he's ready to come back, I'm looking forward to it."